Report suggests A-levels could end within ten years

A new report has suggested that A-levels and GCSEs could be replaced within ten years by a new Continental-style diploma, which would represent the biggest reform of the English exam system in half a century.

Government advisor Mike Tomlinson unveiled an interim report into secondary education for 14 to 19 year olds which contains several recommendations that could see the current UK system move closer to the European style of examination, known as the International Baccalaureat.

Under the new regime, A-levels, AS-levels and GCSEs would be phased out, to be replaced by a four-level diploma, which would be divided into sections to include basic skills such as English, maths and IT, but also extra-curricular activities like drama, music or community work. Another key concept contained within the report was using the diploma model to promote 'employability skills' which would see students taking business courses studying languages alongside their main choice.

Teachers and academics have until mid-October to voice their response to the report, which claims to offer an exam system that will encourage more students to stay on at post-16 education, as well as easing the exam burden on students and handing back to teachers the responsibility of marking papers.

David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, welcomed the report as a "long overdue dose of common sense" that would recognise "all qualifications and all levels of achievement".

However, shadow education secretary Damian Green sounded a note of caution, and said the report did nothing to "restore confidence" the current exam system, after recent fiascos involving marking mix-ups and alleged lowering of pass rates.

(CL)